Christianity,  News

Majority of Americans Say Homosexuality Is Okay

From ChristianityToday.com:

From 1973 to 2010, the General Social Survey (GSS) has asked Americans if they think sexual relations between same-sex couples are wrong. Up until 2008, a majority of Americans have answered that such behavior is ‘always wrong.’ But the latest GSS, conducted in 2010, finds that only 46 percent of Americans hold this position.

The GSS, a federally-funded survey, is considered the gold standard for polling on social behaviors, attitudes, and values and has asked the same question on homosexual behavior since its inception: “Are sexual relations between two adults of the same sex always, almost always, sometimes, or never wrong?” Until the 1990s, opposition to homosexuality ran high. Nearly seven-in-ten Americans said same-sex sexual relations were always wrong.

But the early 90s saw a dramatic change in views toward homosexuality.

On this issue the trend lines are clear. The Christian view on human sexuality is going by the wayside in the wider culture. Christians are on their way to being a minority on this particular topic.

Yes, the world will become an unhappier place as God’s design for human sexuality and marriage is shunned. Humans are happy when they are holy. Misery always follows in the wake of rebellion against the Creator. Nevertheless, I can think of several reasons whay this data should not be a cause of discouragement for Christians.

(1) Michael Foust has argued that there is good reason to take polls like this one with a grain of salt. Things may not be moving as quickly as they appear. Read his argument here.

(2) The Lord reigns (Psalm 115:3). He is in control of all things, including how much or how little the prevailing culture aligns with Christian mores. The advance of the gospel does not rely on who is winning the current culture war. We have a mission, and we have a gospel to preach to sinners who desperately need to hear it.

(3) A sharp distinction between the church and the world is not always a bad thing. Yes, it would be better for our culture to embrace Creator’s design for our sexuality. But perhaps Christian witness will become more apparent than ever as it is set in relief against the darkness of sexual rebellion. Perhaps God would use that contrast for the advance of the gospel.

John 17:18, 23 18 “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world… 23 that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”

(4) We have the power and promises of God on our side. Our labor will not be in vain.

Matthew 28:18-20 “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 16:18 “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

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